Tuesday, May 20, 2008 04:33 PM USATF Nationals, Western States 100, workout gear for pregnant runners, training in the heat and Madeline Manning.
The USATF Nationals dominated our headlines this week, and the Eugene meet was a good meet for both upsets (Adam Goucher outkicking Bob Kennedy at 5000m, Alan Culpepper leading all at 10,000m) and heroes (Regina Jacobs scoring a historic double at 1500m and 5000m). RW was there in force, and with USATF put together a special section including results, stories, and pictures.
Upset was also the word of the day at the Western States 100-mile ultramarathon, where first-timers won both the men's and women's races.
Not all eyes were on the Western U.S. as the IAAF's Golden League had its first meet, the Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway. The race of the day was Gabriela Szabo's 3000m win, which set a stadium record and dragged four other women to national records.
Burnout usually comes after a bad race or a series of bad races--not only is the body tired but the mind is tired as well. Many elites opt for a change of pace. They take a few days or weeks off, sleeping later, reading a good book or going to the movies. They break their training diet, splurging on an onion and peppers pizza. -- From Ken Sparks's The Runners Book of Training Secrets, p. 80. You can buy this book
Clothing for expecting Moms: Mother's In Motion is a new company that offers a maternity fitness clothing line that includes unitards, leggings, running shorts, bike shorts, sports bras and swimsuits. Clothing is available in department, specialty/sporting goods, and maternity stores. For more information call 877-512-8800 or go to <here>.
Workout with a friend: You can get stronger, faster if you lift weights with a partner or personal trainer, according to a new study from Pennsylvania State University.
With the high humidity, heat waves and soaking rains that are sweeping various parts of the nation, it's possible that you're training hasn't been quite up to par. You're not alone. Visit our Training forum and learn how other runners are modifying their training in the midst of the summer sun and rain.
Madeline Manning won the 800 meters at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. With the exception of Joan Benoit Samuelson, she is the only American female Olympic gold medalists to win at distances above 400 meters. On June 25 in Eugene, she was honored at a dinner for "Pioneers of Women's Track and Field." Peter Gambaccini spoke with Manning Mims:
Saturday, Fifth Season 8-K: Cedar Rapids, Iowa hosts one of the most popular 8-Ks in the country.
Saturday, Maine Distance Festival: Double national champion Regina Jacobs will be gunning for the American 1000 meters record, and there'll be lots of other great action. Web site
Sunday, Fair Saint Louis 10-K: Held in conjunction with Riverfront Fair which attracts 1.5 million people. Web site:
Sunday, Peachtree Road Race 10-K: The country's biggest 10-K, Atlanta will also host the Professional Road Running Organization championships. Web site:
Sunday, Stampede Run-Off Marathon: Part of the celebration of the famous Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada. Web site:
We often get emails from people asking, "Do you know of a race near me in the next month?" Well, sure, but we don't have time to answer all the email. Instead, we've put all the races we know into a database that you can search. Go to <http://www.runnersworld.com/calendar/> and click "find a race." You can fill out the form with a date range (select races between...), distances and state, and get a list to consider. Clicking on the race name should give you more details about that race. The database runs two to three months into the future (we're working on September now) so don't expect to find next year's races yet!
Hot weather running tip: On hot days, soak a lightweight handkerchief or bandanna in
cold water before you head out on a run. Carry the cloth with you and use it to cool your
face and wipe away sweat and salt. When you pass by water pumps, fountains or sprinklers
re-wet the handkerchief and continue to cool off.
– Susan Lindfors, Runner’s World editor
"The most important factor for motivation is goal setting. You should always have a goal." -- Francie Larrieu Smith, five-time Olympian
barry Tuesday, May 20, 2008 04:33 PM